Coronation Street is set for a shake-up this year, with several departures already confirmed and more rumoured. Soap boss Kate Brooks has hinted at multiple exits in the coming weeks and months.
Speaking to The Mirror a few weeks ago, she suggested that fans might be taken aback by some of the characters leaving, and there would be a significant number. While she didn’t disclose any names, several announcements have since been made.
In recent weeks, an iconic character has permanently left the show, and another was tragically killed off. Upcoming spoilers hint at further heartbreak and potential departures, with a stunt, a trial, and possible retribution on the horizon.
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So, who’s recently left and who else is heading for the exit? Here’s a rundown of all the confirmed and speculated departures, including those written out of the ITV soap.
Sue Devaney
Confirmed exits include Debbie Webster, played by Sue Devaney, reports the Mirror. It was revealed weeks ago that Debbie would be diagnosed with dementia in a heartbreaking storyline on the ITV soap. Although it will be a long-running plot, it will ultimately conclude with actress Sue’s departure as Debbie passes away.
Colson Smith
Colson Smith, known for his role as Craig Tinker, will be leaving the soap after an impressive 14-year run. The departure was confirmed by The Mirror, and Colson himself took to social media to announce his exit: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.”
He continued to express his gratitude and excitement for the future: “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!”
Charlotte Jordan
Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley, is also set to depart from the show after four years. Her character is currently embroiled in a dramatic pregnancy storyline, adding another twist to the tale of the cobbles.
Corrie’s Daisy Midgeley, portrayed by actress Charlotte Jordan, is expecting a baby, but the question of whether Kit Green or Daniel Osbourne is the father remains unanswered. News of Daisy’s exit broke recently with Charlotte sharing her feelings: “My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.”
Sue Cleaver
Another departure making headlines is that of Eileen Grimshaw, as Sue Cleaver bids farewell to the ITV soap. Despite taking several breaks over the years, Sue is saying goodbye permanently.
“I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” she commented. She added that while she has cherished her time on the show, the arrival of her 60th year led to a decision to “embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”
Sue also mentioned that although she has “adored” her time on the programme, she’s excited to seek out new challenges. It is understood that discussions about her departure began last summer after she took a significant break from the show to star in the theatre production of Sister Act as Mother Superior. The early talks “gave writers plenty of time to create a strong exit storyline for her, which viewers will love.”
Lucy Fallon
Bethany Platt, portrayed by Lucy Fallon, is expected to take maternity leave soon as she prepares for the arrival of her second child. While it seems to be a temporary departure, there are hints that Bethany might move to London, which could serve as her exit storyline. Although it’s not believed that Lucy is leaving permanently, she will likely be absent from our screens for some time this year.
Further details about Bethany’s future on the soap and her departure will be disclosed in due course.
Evelyn Plummer
Evelyn Plummer, played by Maureen Lipman, will be taking a temporary break from the streets of Coronation Street. Upon her return, viewers will see Evelyn stepping back to a part-time role.
Teasing her upcoming hiatus and eventual part-time status, Maureen opened up to The Sun, saying: “I’ll be absent for a while and then coming back. I’m not going to die, but then I’ll be in and out of it because I want to have a bit of a life. David and I are thinking of having a bit of a gap year.”
Luca Toolan
Mason Radcliffe – portrayed by the talented Luca Toolan – had an untimely exit which was broadcast just days ago. Luca opened up about his departure from the soap after his character tragically died in a knife crime incident.
Speaking out, he expressed his mixed emotions: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”
Helen Worth
Soap veteran Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, left fans heartbroken with her final goodbye on Christmas Day. Helen, having given 50 years to her character, made the difficult decision to leave, publically announcing her intention to depart in June.
Helen was visibly emotional on her final day at the studio, sharing with her colleagues: “The reason I’ve been here all these years, and it’s a lot of years – It’s more than I can think about really, Is because of all of you people that have been here for, well, some of you for all of those fifty years and others for half of that time.”
She continued, expressing her deep gratitude: “But I couldn’t have done any of it without you. I really couldn’t. You are the most amazing team of people, and I really do say thank you. And as for this lot, who didn’t tell me (about this). Oh God, I love them so much. I don’t quite know what I’m going to do without you. But thank you for everything.”
Cait Fitton
Speculation is rife about Lauren Bolton, portrayed by Cait Fitton, potentially exiting the show as her character faces trial for the murder of Joel Deering. Having killed him in self-defence when he attempted to attack her boyfriend Max Turner, Lauren is now behind bars.
With her trial set to commence next week and her anxiety about the outcome growing, there’s concern she could receive a long prison sentence if convicted of murder or manslaughter.
Jack P Shepherd
Meanwhile, Jack P Shepherd’s character David Platt is hinted to be on the verge of departure due to an impending “downfall”. The soap’s executive producer Kate teased that David will face repercussions for his recent actions, and with a major stunt involving him on the horizon, his future looks uncertain.
Could David’s missteps result in significant losses, possibly leading to his exit from Weatherfield?
Bill Roache
Another character whose future on the show is uncertain is Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache. Currently embroiled in a shocking drug storyline involving his carer Cassie Plummer, Ken has been the victim of poisoning leading to a recent hospital visit.
As this plot unfolds, viewers are worried it could signal the end for Ken, who has been a staple of the show since its inaugural episode in 1960.